redLEAF wrote:Back to 'EL' plate sightings, saw an easy one to remember and a welcome sign that EV sales continue albeit slowly here in Chicagoland. This one once again on a Tesla Model S in Deer Park by Chipotle ... It was 4343 EL; anyone spot anything higher? Have also seen a fair number of other new and used EV's with IL temporary tags so hopefully we'll pass the 4500 level soon all the way to 5000; no where near the west coast but not bad considering the relatively low gas prices ... have also spotted a few new Volts but again these don't qualify for the EL plates

Didn't take long to pass 4343 ... here is 4399 EL on a black Tesla X P90D (sorry for the fuzziness, still road construction so perpetually dirty windows) ... in black the X really blends in with other big SUV's out there

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Saw the 4500 plate number threshold get crossed over the weekend; '4582 EL' on a black Model S; also happened to stop by a Tesla store and they also just became aware from their owner's that the IL EPA EV rebate checks (only from those that submitted but didn't get it before they shut off new EV rebate applications) are getting theirs -- of course they get a bit more as ALL of them would have qualified for the maximum of $4,000 when the program was in effect --- as the money from this is flowing I would think that the 50% EVSE rebate (for install and EVSE equipment at ones home) would also start flowing again (again old submissions only); for the early adopters here, that program is up to $3,000 -- anyone still waiting on this one get their check yet?

Further update on the magnitude of the IL EV rebate backlog; over on a reddit Tesla forum, someone had contacted Darwin Burkhart (yes, same gov contact as before with the IL EPA) and he said they're processing over 1,200 rebates!! The post also mentioned that if there is an issue with anyone's application they will reach out to the specific owner so now its just a waiting game. The main 'Green Fleets' web site still has no mention of anything new but I think I may send something off to the Trib reporter who has contacted MNL members in the past on their EV's, etc. if I don't see any recent Chicago area news articles on the fact that they're processing their backlog now ...

redLEAF wrote:Back to 'EL' plate sightings, saw an easy one to remember and a welcome sign that EV sales continue albeit slowly here in Chicagoland. This one once again on a Tesla Model S in Deer Park by Chipotle ... It was 4343 EL; anyone spot anything higher? Have also seen a fair number of other new and used EV's with IL temporary tags so hopefully we'll pass the 4500 level soon all the way to 5000; no where near the west coast but not bad considering the relatively low gas prices ... have also spotted a few new Volts but again these don't qualify for the EL plates

Didn't take long to pass 4343 ... here is 4399 EL on a black Tesla X P90D (sorry for the fuzziness, still road construction so perpetually dirty windows) ... in black the X really blends in with other big SUV's out there

IMG_0357.jpg

Saw the 4500 plate number threshold get crossed over the weekend; '4582 EL' on a black Model S; also happened to stop by a Tesla store and they also just became aware from their owner's that the IL EPA EV rebate checks (only from those that submitted but didn't get it before they shut off new EV rebate applications) are getting theirs -- of course they get a bit more as ALL of them would have qualified for the maximum of $4,000 when the program was in effect --- as the money from this is flowing I would think that the 50% EVSE rebate (for install and EVSE equipment at ones home) would also start flowing again (again old submissions only); for the early adopters here, that program is up to $3,000 -- anyone still waiting on this one get their check yet?

Finally passed the 5000 number threshold in the wild; saw a brand new white Tesla Model S in the St. Charles, IL area sporting 5090 EL; the new Tesla's with the smooth front fascia (as opposed to the older 'nose cone' type 'grill' front end) are starting to show up more often now. At least this reduced cost plate program has been left intact in IL (for now anyways).

Less than 3 weeks later; saw a red Tesla Model X late last night going into Harper College in Palatine sporting plate 5265 EL; for Tesla spotters, this was the later 'red multi-coat' color not the much earlier 'signature' dark red when they were first released late last year.

Not a lot for pure EV enthusiasts at this years Chicago Auto Show --- real HEAVY attendance yesterday so may have missed something but here are a few highlights:

Chevy -- they did have an accessible Bolt (just one) that you could get in, etc. along with a rep nearby to answer questions; also the new Volt; a few people seemed interested but no where near what the Corvette and of course trucks and SUV's that all mfg's seem to be featuring swarmed around.

VW -- all gas powered cars; no EV's or PHEV's at all; new Tiguan and Atlas SUV's worth a look

BMW/MINI -- featured all their PHEV's; the i3 on display was a ReX version; people were pouring over that one

Volvo -- had the PHEV XC90; nothing new there

Audi -- had the A3 e-tron but no concept EV/PHEV cars that we've been hearing about

Kia -- had a large video monitor running showing the Kia Soul EV but not one on display (still don't sell it in the Midwest) did have the Niro hybrid

Hyundai -- they did bring their Ioniq EV; sorry but the materials they used on this seem really cheap, perhaps that will keep the price down; no of course 200+ mile range yet; mid range EV commuter; a more practical solution may be their PHEV version which would get 31 EV range but then the new Volt tops that easily

Mercedes Benz -- featured the AMG variant on many models, no B-class EV

Smart -- they had two of their ED's on display as well as a funky ICE smart customized with a stereo system that basically filled the entire car and was able to stage its own concert (with a rep nearby)

Acura/Honda -- great display on the new NSX (huh, its actually a hybrid; albeit not an inexpensive one though!) as well as refreshed versions on their mainstream cars, etc.

Mazda -- my son's favorite was there; a Miata RF that the rep raised and lowered the top on for us; having owned 2 previous Miata's this one is indeed quite special; tiny trunk but who needs it; looked great in red

Jaguar -- really would have liked to see that concept i-Pace SUV but wasn't there; F-Pace did look great; my show favorite is their '17 F-Type R

As for other ICE's worth a look; Alfa Romeo showed off a few gorgeous new models and the Kia Stinger appears to be interesting depending on its interior fittings as well as the new Porsche 718 (Cayman/Boxster)

If you have time to go during the week, I'm sure that would be best if you want to avoid the crowds -- the economy must be doing OK with the turn out this year; with gas prices so low perhaps that's holding back some of the pure longer range EV's or we simply need to wait a few more years. Lots of drive events both inside and out for those interested as well.

redLEAF wrote:Less than 3 weeks later; saw a red Tesla Model X late last night going into Harper College in Palatine sporting plate 5265 EL; for Tesla spotters, this was the later 'red multi-coat' color not the much earlier 'signature' dark red when they were first released late last year.

5808 EL on a silver Model S. We'll probably break 6 in a few months.

“So many of our dreams at first seem impossible, then they seem improbable, and then, when we summon the will, they soon become inevitable.” - Christopher Reeve

redLEAF wrote:Less than 3 weeks later; saw a red Tesla Model X late last night going into Harper College in Palatine sporting plate 5265 EL; for Tesla spotters, this was the later 'red multi-coat' color not the much earlier 'signature' dark red when they were first released late last year.

5808 EL on a silver Model S. We'll probably break 6 in a few months.

Actually, a bit more than a month; spotted a White Tesla Model X with the 22" black wheels near Harper College (might be a trend here, well paid professors or perhaps late career students; Model X starts at $85,500 -- those wheels put it up over $90K not including any other options?) with 6004 EL -- if this rate continues we might see 7000+ by this August. Once the Model 3 is available that could ramp these up significantly ... while not an absolute (a number of Tesla's sport vanity or special interest plates instead of the 'EL' series) at least it gives an indication that EV's are still selling (at least Tesla's are) in IL